COVENTRY has marked the first anniversary of being named UK City of Culture with a music and arts extravaganza at FarGo Village.
The Coventry City of Culture Trust held a celebratory lunch, a year on since the historic announcement in Hull.
The event, hosted by award-winning gospel singer Sandra Godley, recalled the day the city welcomed the UK City of Culture judging panel.
Around 150 guests – many of whom were present 12 months ago – were entertained by a range of artists from within the city.
The City of Culture campaign has been awarded millions of pounds in funding, dedicated to preparation and creating a legacy.
Since the announcement, the city has enjoyed an eventful year.
BBC Music’s the Biggest Weekend festival, a succession of high profile concerts at the Ricoh Arena and the city’s traditional Godiva Festival brought some huge names to the city – such as the Rolling Stones and Liam Gallagher.
Street festivals and arts exhibits have been on offer to the public, with the Shop Front Festival and the Festival of the Imagineers drawing crowds.
Some of the city’s most iconic heritage sites have been handed a new lease of life – such as the medieval 14th Century Charterhouse monastery.
Other organisations such as the Belgrade Theatre and the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum have also benefited from new funding.
The city welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to witness its historical sites and the work being done by key organisations.
Officials say it is set to become a centre of battery and autonomous vehicle technology, attracting significant investment to the region.
The Archbishop of Canterbury returned for a four-day ‘homecoming’ tour of Coventry and the region.
Mr Sutherland said: “This is a key moment for the trust – an opportunity to reflect on what was achieved 12 months ago, to thank those who had the vision and expertise to imagine and deliver a successful bid, to reflect on what has been achieved since but also to look ahead, together.
“I’m approaching my first 100 days in post and I feel very privileged to have been invited to join the team charged with delivering an inclusive, youthful, truly memorable City of Culture and to plan the legacy from 2021.”
Mr Sutherland said that while ideas for the artistic programme for 2021 were still be worked up, the team had put key foundations in place this year.
